Construction Employment Increased in 48% of Major US Metro Areas

Construction employment expanded in 175 metro areas, declined in 106 and was stagnant in 58 between February 2013 and February 2014, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted, however, that despite the gains construction employment remained below peak levels in all but 19 metro areas.

"It is encouraging that contractors added workers in so many locations despite severe weather that delayed some project starts," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. "At the same time, it's clear that the upturn in construction is far from universal. Activity is flat or declining in many metro areas, while contractors in the hottest locations are having trouble finding skilled workers."

Association officials said the fact many metro areas were adding new jobs was welcome news for the hard-hit construction industry. But they cautioned that many parts of the country no longer have robust career and technical education programs that once existed across the country and that many firms already report having a hard time finding skilled workers. They released a new workforce development plan that outlines steps that local, state and federal officials can take to make it easier to establish new training programs.

"During the last four years alone, over 800,000 construction workers have left the profession," said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer. "Unless we find a way to prepare the next generation, we are going to get to a point in the near future when there aren't enough workers to meet demand on schedule or on budget."